Appendix

Command terms

Students should be familiar with the following key terms and phrases used in examination questions, which
are to be understood as described below. Although these terms will be used frequently in examination
questions, other terms may be used to direct students to present an argument in a specific way.

Analyse Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Annotate Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Apply Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or
issue.

Calculate Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

Classify Arrange or order by class or category.

Comment Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Compare Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Compare and Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or
contrast situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Construct Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Contrast Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Deduce Reach a conclusion from the information given.

Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Demonstrate Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical

application.

Derive Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.

Describe Give a detailed account.

Design Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Determine Obtain the only possible answer.

Differentiate Obtain the derivative of a function.

Discuss Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments,
factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and
supported by appropriate evidence.

Distinguish Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

80 Diploma Programme: From principles into practice

 Command terms

Draw Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A

ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn
to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined
in a straight line or smooth curve.

Estimate Obtain an approximate value.

Evaluate Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Examine Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and
interrelationships of the issue.

Explain Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Explore Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Find Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working.

Formulate Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).

Hence Use the preceding work to obtain the required result.

Hence or otherwise It is suggested that the preceding work is used, but other methods could also
receive credit.

Identify Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Integrate Obtain the integral of a function.

Interpret Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions
from given information.

Investigate Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to

establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Justify Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Label Add labels to a diagram.

List Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Measure Obtain a value for a quantity.

Outline Give a brief account or summary.

Plot Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Predict Give an expected result.

Present Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

Prove Use a sequence of logical steps to obtain the required result in a formal way.

Show Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.

Show that Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the
formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of a
calculator.

Diploma Programme: From principles into practice 81

Command terms

Sketch Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). The sketch

should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should
include relevant features.

Solve Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.

State Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or
calculation.

Suggest Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

To what extent Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and
conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate
evidence and sound argument.

Trace Follow and record the action of an algorithm.

Verify Provide evidence that validates the result.

Write down Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is
required. Working does not need to be shown.

82 Diploma Programme: From principles into practice